Did you know that flowers can have a special meaning that goes beyond just looking nice and adding a beautiful accent to home or event decorations? 

The language of flowers, or floriography, is a way of communication through specific types of flowers as well as the way those flowers are arranged. People have been doing this for thousands of years in several different cultures, but the activity gained special prominence during the Victorian Era. Victorian society was notoriously reserved, so communicating with flowers was a way for people to communicate thoughts and feelings that might be considered unacceptable to say out loud. For example, yellow roses might stand for friendship or devotion. 

These days, the place you’ll most likely see the meanings of flowers mentioned is in discussions about wedding bouquets. When Kate Middleton married Prince William, the flowers she included in her bouquet were analyzed along with her wedding gown and other elements of the ceremony. Lily of the valleys symbolized happiness and the inclusion of Sweet William flowers was a playful nod to Prince William as well as a way of symbolizing gallantry. She also included myrtle, a symbol of love that has been used by British Royals ever since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. 

While the exact meanings of flowers have varied throughout history and might have slightly different meanings in different cultures, here are some blooms you can incorporate into your wedding bouquet or decorations if you want to explore this floral tradition.

Baby’s Breath

This light flower that often is used as a filler in bouquets and centerpieces symbolizes festivity.

Carnation

Like roses, the meaning of a carnation flower changes depending on the color. Pink means ‘gratitude’ while white means ‘pure love’.

Cherry Blossoms

These flowers aren’t often used for weddings due to the fact that they only bloom for a short period of time. This might give a hint to their meaning: the fragility of life.

Chrysanthemum

These bright flowers symbolize joy no matter the color or size.

Daffodil

Daffodils are perfect for weddings as they symbolize new beginnings!

Freesia

These delicate white flowers symbolize friendship and innocence!

Gardenia

These flowers symbolize joy and they tend to carry a beautiful floral scent.

Hydrangea

Perfect for spring weddings due to their colorful hues, hydrangeas symbolize “heartfelt emotions”

Iris

Iris flowers have historically been popular for not only their beauty but their meaning: faith and wisdom.

Lilac

Lilacs mean “love’s first emotions” – they’re perfect for weddings or any kind of romantic gesture!

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley flowers symbolize happiness – they’re also traditional wedding flowers known for their bright scent.

Peony

Another bright and big option, peonies stand for love, ambition, and happiness. 

Roses

Roses are a classic symbol of love and are associated with weddings, Valentine’s Day, and romance in general. Red roses symbolize love, whereas yellow roses symbolize friendship. 

Sunflower

The meaning of the sunflower plant is a nod to the way it follows the sun throughout the day – they symbolize loyalty. They’re also an unconventional wedding flower but a great option for outdoor ceremonies.

Zinnia

If you’re looking for a more vivid color for your wedding flowers, zinnias are the way to go. You can find deep magentas which symbolize lasting affection or scarlet varieties that mean consistency.

Which flowers are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 

If you are planning an event and need help coordinating all of the little details, we can help! Head over to thesocialsetters.com/startplanning to get started with one of our Social Setters!